Honor’ speech

Mr. Victor Makwenge, Congolese Minister of Public Health urged members of the Diaspora to support Health sector.

On the occasion of the first meeting of Congolese Diaspora held in Kinshasa from July 30 to August 5, 2008, two days were devoted to public health area. To that purpose, doctors, druggists, researchers and other participants in this forum exchanged on the possibilities of strengthening the capacity of the health sector in the DRC.

Below the full speech

The Forum of Congolese Diaspora of health sector stands in a particular context of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s history. In fact, after a decade of turmoil and fratricidal wars, and a complex political transition which opened a new institutional environment during which it will be held over two days meetings of Congolese Diaspora concerned by the health sector.

We expect that this meeting can help open up new prospects for work unity between the national health managers living in the country and Congolese living abroad, health experts and all those who can contribute to the improvement of health care for our people. These sittings therefore intend to honor a desire shared by all:  to examine together, objectively, with discernment and without passion, a number of vital issues of national interest, to consider seriously all available opportunities to overcome many challenges of the health sector.

The strategy of strengthening the health system that the Ministry of Public Health is being implemented in the country is the path to revitalize the entire health system.

The implementation of this sector-based strategy requires a lot of resources as well material, financial as human. To do this, the country counts as well on internal efforts as the external contribution. And you, our compatriots, son of Congo and those who living abroad, are well placed to  add your support for the reconstruction and development of the health system of this country, which was forty years ago, among the best in Africa.

The forum is also for you an opportunity for an appropriation of the medical action of the Government which is fighting to establish a system of quality health care for the population. Your skill, your moral and scientific contribution and your physical and financial support will obviously be welcome.
                                                             

 Victor Makwenge, Public Health Minister